Meghalaya CM confident of tackling GNLA

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Tuesday exuded confidence that his government will effectively tackle insurgency in the Garo Hills and ensure lasting peace in the state.

The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), headed by former police officer Champion R. Sangma, has unleashed terror in the three impoverished districts of Garo Hills in western part of Meghalaya.

“We are sincere in our approach to tackle this problem and the government will address the root cause of insurgency in the state,” he told members of the assembly.

Opposition leader Conrad K. Sangma said the law and order in Garo Hills was worse than that in Manipur.

“Over 30 people, including security personnel, have been killed in the Garo Hills during the last two year by GNLA,” Conrad said.

The chief minister said: “As almost 30 percent of GNLA cadres are from Assam, this issue requires greater dimension in tackling it and therefore, we need the cooperation of the government in our neighbouring state.”

The GNLA, one of the five Garo rebel groups, is fighting for a separate Garoland in western part of Meghalaya.

It has forged an operational alliance with the United Liberation Front of Asom and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland.